8/4/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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r HDOK IAa'43, BUSINESS INCENTIVES The Board reviewed the following memo dated 7/24/92: TO: Board of County DATE. July 24, 1992 FILE: Commissioners SUBJECT: Business Incentives FROM: Carolyn K. Eggert REFERENCES: County Commission Chairman As the Economic Development Council rewrites -our Overall Economic Development Plan and as I talk with the Council of 100 and various business people in Indian River County, concern about our economy, increasing the tax base by attracting commerce here and the use of tax and other business incentives have been "hot" topics. I would appreciate our having a general discussion of business incentives and their application to this County. Please note the tax incentive referendum to be placed on St. Lucie County's ballot this November and the attached law. Chairman Eggert remained very frustrated about this county not being able to get grants from the State. Commissioner Scurlock felt we have to be extremely careful in structuring the use of tax and other business incentives. He felt the most significant thing the County can do is rethink and readdress our permitting requirements. He strongly suggested that we streamline many of our requirements which are making it financially infeasible for people to develop their projects. Commissioner Bird agreed because he felt our economical climate needs a shot in the arm more than at any time he has seen in this county. Keeping our county beautiful is important, but maybe we have been carried away. He felt we need extra help from perhaps the Council of 100, etc. to find out what other counties are doing and bring back to the Board a shopping list of things that have worked. Commissioner Bird felt that impact fees make sense in that they pay for growth, but he also felt there needs to be a way of phasing these impact fees into projects. 36